ASEC Mission: To make saving and retirement planning a priority for all Americans.
From the American Savings Education Council (ASEC):
- We realize this goal by educating the public about all aspects of financial security through our coalition of major public- and private-sector partners.
- For more about ASEC, download this brochure
March 2, 2010
Program Perspectives: Access to employer-provided benefits by low-wage and high-wage workers
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) is pleased to announce a new issue of its on-line publication BLS Program Perspectives. Each issue of this series highlights previously-published BLS data and how they provide useful information and context for understanding a selected topic. The new publication is available at http://www.bls.gov/opub/perspectives.
This issue of the BLS Program Perspectives examines employee’s access to employer-provided benefits, such as paid leave, retirement, and insurance plans, in relation to the employee’s pay level. Data from the BLS’s National Compensation Survey on Employee Benefits in the United States are used to show that lower-paid workers had less access to these benefits than did higher-paid workers.
February 26, 2010
New Overdraft Rules from the Federal Reserve Effective July 1, 2010
The Federal Reserve will implement new rules giving debit and ATM card users additional options regarding overdrafts. Although the rules become effective on July 1, 2010, in the coming months, banks, credit unions, and other financial institutions must offer consumers the ability to make decisions about overdraft services for transactions made with their debit or ATM cards. The Federal Reserve’s online publication, "What You Need to Know: New Overdraft Rules for Debit and ATM Cards", provides an explanation of how the rules will affect existing and new account holders.
February 23, 2010
SEC Announces Efforts to Educate Investors About Participating in Corporate Elections
Amends Proxy Rules to Offer “E-Proxy” Flexibility and Launches New Web Page Dedicated to Educating Investors About Proxy Matters
Further details.
February 23, 2010
Recent data on labor force demographics
The recent resources released on demographic trends in the U.S. labor force. Workers today have greater incentives to stay in the work force, such as the ability (and in some cases the need) to continue to accumulate assets in defined contribution plans and to have access to employment-based health insurance coverage, instead of having to tap into their savings to pay for their expenses.
Further details
February 22, 2010
U. S. Small Business Administration Hosting Series of Free YOUTHprenuer webinars
Join the U.S. Small Business Administration in recognition of National Entrepreneur Week and America Saves Week for a series of FREE YOUTHprenuer webinars on entrepreneurship and financial literacy. The webinars will be held each day from February 23-25, 2010 at 11:00 am and 3:00 pm.
Further details.
February 19, 2010
Federal Reserve's new credit card website
The Federal Reserve launched a new interactive website to help consumers better understand the new credit card protections that will take effect on Monday, February 22.
Futher details.
February 18, 2010
OCC News Release: OCC Issues Consumer Advisory and Policy Statement Regarding Tax Refund-Related Products
Refund anticipation loans and similar products present particular consumer protection and safety and soundness risks due to their unique repayment and cost structures, and banks’ reliance on third-party tax preparers to offer the products. The OCC consumer advisory and policy statement clarify and enhance existing guidance necessary to address those concerns.
Further details.
February 16, 2010
Resources for Financial Professionals
AARP is pleased to introduce www.aarp.org/forfinancialpros, a new landing page featuring resources for financial professionals who work with older consumers. The goal is to move the financial marketplace in ways that benefit consumers over 50 as well as the industry-- a win-win situation for all. Visit the new webpage and see our latest release, A Financial Professional's Guide to Conducting Seminars With Older Investors, done in cooperation with the North American Securities Administrators Association (NASAA).
For more information, contact Michael Herndon (mherndon@aarp.org) or Jay Sternberg (jsternberg@aarp.org).
February 16, 2010
National Financial Capability Challenge, 2010
In December 2009, Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner and Education Secretary Arne Duncan announced the National Financial Capability Challenge. They said that along with getting the economy back on track and getting smarter about financial regulation, we also need to make sure all Americans - but especially our youth - get the financial education they need to help them take responsibility for their financial futures. Treasury and Education are committed to working together on this issue. The Challenge - an awards program for educators and high schools students that aims to encourage the teaching of personal finance - is our first step in a new partnership.
National Financial Capability Challenge, 2010
February 10, 2010
After the Financial Crisis: Changing Financial Attitudes and Behaviors Among Young Adults
Did you know? During the economic crisis:
- The average credit card balance in students rose 60 percent…
- Student loan balances increased by 90 percent…
- Three times as many students cut back on classes…
- Student trust in financial institutions declined by 40 percent…
- There was a 25 percent increase in students using one credit card to pay off another…
Want to learn more? Attend a free webinar on the Arizona Pathways to Life Success for University Students (APLUS) Wave 1.5 research. Funded by the National Endowment for Financial Education® (NEFE®), the study provides an inside look at how the economic crisis affected college students.
After the Financial Crisis: Changing Financial Attitudes and Behaviors Among Young Adults Webinar
Presenter: Dr. Joyce Serido, Research Scientist at the University of Arizona
Date: February 18, 2010
Time: 11 a.m. EST, 10 a.m. CST, 9 a.m. MST, 8 a.m. PST
Duration: 1 hour
Register Now: Sign up here.
More information: Download a copy of the research to read up before the Webinar.
Press release with further details.
February 10, 2010
Maryland Saves, 4th Annual "Roll in the Dough" Campaign
4th Annual "Roll in the Dough" Campaign Reminds Maryland Residents that You Don't Have to be Rich to Build Wealth
Consumers are encouraged to visit one of the 70 participating locations of the sponsoring banks and credit unions between February 22 - March 6 to open or add to new savings vehicles -- including CDs, money market accounts, IRAs, and savings bonds as well as traditional savings accounts. A variety of prizes will be awarded, including a $1000 CD, seven $100 cash prizes, and two $50 savings bonds for winners of the children's coloring contest.
I encourage any of you with offices, partners, family, and friends in Maryland to participate in this Campaign and Choose to Save.
Further detail information on the 4th Annual “Roll in the Dough” Campaign.
For updates on the Campaign follow the Campaign on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/rollinthedough
February 9, 2010
Philadelphia Saves Week February 21-28, 2010
Philadelphia Saves, partnering with Consumer Credit Counseling Services of the Delaware Valley, has a series of workshops, a savings tip drawing, and a financial boot camp planned for Philadelphia Saves Week. I encourage any of you with offices, partners, family, and friends in the Philadelphia area to participate in any of these events.
February 5, 2010
Adding Automatic Enrollment to Section 401(k) Plans — Sample Amendments
This notice facilitates automatic enrollment by providing two sample plan amendments for sponsors, practitioners, and employers who want to add certain automatic contribution features to their § 401(k) plans. Sample Amendment 1 can be used to add an automatic contribution arrangement to a § 401(k) plan. Sample Amendment 2 can be used to add an eligible automatic contribution arrangement described in § 414(w) of the Internal Revenue Code (permitting 90-day withdrawals) to a § 401(k) plan.
Further detailed information on Notice 2009-65.
February 5, 2010
Hot off the Press: Military Saves Campaign 21 - 28 Feb 2010 Memo
Military Saves Campaign 2010 UPDATE:
The latest Military Saves Campaign Memo for the 21-28 Feb 2010 Military Saves Week is available.
Be sure to view the latest graphics available located at: http://www.militarysaves.org/resourcekit/graphics.asp. There are more to come…
And, more updates to follow…
Don’t forget to get your campaign ideas from the resource kit located at: http://www.militarysaves.org/resourcekit/plansliststools.asp
February 5, 2010
RFP from Institute for Financial Literacy's 5th Annual Conference in Boston, MA
Now Accepting Proposals for Conference Presentations
Do you have financial education expertise and a passion for sharing your knowledge? The 5th Annual Conference on Financial Education is now accepting proposals for presentations.
Interested? Complete this online form & submit it to Conference@FinancialLit.org no later than February 26, 2010 to be considered as a speaker for the conference.
Questions? Email Conference@FinancialLit.org
February 4, 2010
Financial Services Town Hall in the District of Columbia
You are cordially invited to participate in a Financial Services Town Hall.
When: 6:30-8:30 pm, Thursday, February, 25, 2010
Where: TheARC, 1901 Mississippi Avenue, SE.
Guest panelist include representatives from the Securities and Exchange Commission, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, Federal Reserve Bank and
DC Department of Insurance, Securities and Banking. Please review the attached announcement and circulate accordingly. Thank you in advance for your cooperation and I look forward to your attendance.
February 3, 2010
WA's Governor Gregoire Issues Proclamations in support of America Saves Week and Financial Literacy Month
On January 29, 2010, Governor Gregoire issued a proclamation declaring February 21-28, 2010 as Washington Saves Week.
On January 29, 2010, Governor issued a proclamation declaring April 2010 as Financial Literacy Month.
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